Slow Down To Go Fast (Why Optimizing Isn't the Answer)

114 snips

Oct 28, 2025

Guest

Jim Murphy

Guest

James Hewitt

Dr. James Hewitt, a human performance scientist and author, and Jim Murphy, a coach and author of Inner Excellence, share insights on sustaining high performance. They discuss the pitfalls of hyper-optimization and advocate for a rhythm of intense focus paired with intentional recovery. James highlights the importance of effective breaks and nature's role in enhancing creativity and well-being. Jim emphasizes the significance of training the heart, cultivating peace under pressure, and choosing long-term purpose over instant gratification to achieve true excellence.

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ANECDOTE

Optimized But Falling Apart

A high-performing executive told Todd he was "optimized, but exhausted."
His perfect productivity dashboard hid anxiety, disconnection, and loss of enjoyment.

INSIGHT

When Optimization Backfires

Obsessive optimization can increase restlessness and weariness despite better metrics.
James Hewitt argues excellence comes from learning to renew, not doing more.

ANECDOTE

From Cycling To Human Performance

James Hewitt trained as a cyclist and later coached amateurs while studying workplace demands.
He pursued a PhD on sustained high performance in the workplace after his racing career didn't work out.

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In this episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to sustain high performance—without losing ourselves along the way. We explore why the relentless pursuit of optimization can leave us exhausted, disconnected, and ultimately unsatisfied, even as our productivity dashboards look more impressive than ever.

We sit down with Dr. James Hewitt, a human performance scientist and author of Regenerative Performance, who challenges the contemporary obsession with “optimization.” Instead, he offers a fresh perspective: success is about rhythm, not balance. We discuss how alternating between periods of intense focus and intentional renewal is not just effective, but necessary.

Also joining us is Jim Murphy, author of Inner Excellence, whose coaching of elite athletes and leaders centers on training not just the mind, but the heart. Jim’s journey—including a literal desert retreat—led him to believe that excellence is grown from within, through the cultivation of peace, confidence, and love, especially under pressure.

Together, we examine why greatness isn’t something you manufacture through sheer effort. It’s something that arises when you let go, reconnect, and cultivate an inner life that is in sync with your values and goals.

Five Key Learnings from the Episode:

Optimization Fatigue Is Real: Tracking and optimizing every aspect of life can actually diminish well-being and life satisfaction rather than increase it.
Rhythm Beats Balance: Sustained high performance depends on deliberate alternation between deep engagement and meaningful renewal, not on chasing a mythical state of balance.
Recovery Requires Intention: Proactive, scheduled breaks—including exposure to nature and engaging in supportive social interactions—are critical for true restoration and creativity.
Excellence Comes from the Heart: Training your heart—clarifying your life purpose, embracing vulnerability, and mastering the ego—is more impactful than simply mastering skills.
Self-Centeredness Is the Core Obstacle: Overcoming the default setting of self-focus opens the door to authentic creativity and connection, but it requires the courage to face discomfort and uncertainty.

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